About 1,150 miles, 2–3 days on the truck, and $1,100–$1,350 on an open carrier. Why this lane fills up early in autumn, and why a New Jersey pickup is easier than one across the river.
To ship a car from New Jersey to Florida, plan on $1,100–$1,350 for an open carrier or $1,600–$1,850 for enclosed, for a normal running car or SUV. It is about 1,150 miles and 2–3 days on the truck. From October to December this is one of the busiest snowbird lanes in the country, so timing matters more here than the distance does.
How much is it each way?
Southbound and northbound open bands are the same on this lane; enclosed is cheaper coming back.
| Direction | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey to Florida | $1,100–$1,350 | $1,600–$1,850 |
| Florida to New Jersey | $1,100–$1,350 | $1,450–$1,700 |
| Down and back, open | $2,200–$2,700 |
A recent shipment: Newark to Fort Lauderdale
| Detail | What happened |
|---|---|
| Route | Newark, New Jersey → Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| Vehicle | 2018 Audi Q5 |
| Final price | $1,250 |
| How it was paid | $200 deposit, then $1,050 to the driver after delivery |
That is the very trip the bands above are set on, and the $1,250 total sits inside the published $1,100–$1,350 open band. Princeton or Cherry Hill pickups, and Boca Raton, Naples or Sarasota deliveries, are other trips with their own price.
When should I book for an autumn move?
A big share of the Northeast heads south through New Jersey, so the October to December rush is sharper here than on most lanes. Six weeks ahead is a sensible booking window in that stretch. Booking late still works, but the price you get is the price of whatever room is left on a truck that week.
Is a New Jersey pickup really door to door?
Usually, yes. Most New Jersey suburbs can take a full-size car hauler at the curb, which is not true of Manhattan or much of Boston. The driver still makes the final call on what the trailer can reach, and calls the day before. If you live on a tight street or in a building with a garage, tell me when you book. From there the truck runs I-95 south through Delaware, Baltimore, Richmond and the Carolinas.
What cars ship on this lane?
Mostly comfortable sedans and SUVs for a winter on either Florida coast, and a good number of second cars that stay in Florida all year. An everyday car rides fine open at $1,100–$1,350; enclosed at $1,600–$1,850 suits a classic, a low car or new paint. The open versus enclosed guide has the details.
Shipping a car from Florida back to New Jersey
The trip north runs $1,100–$1,350 open and $1,450–$1,700 enclosed, and its busy months are April and May. Delivery into New Jersey is one of the easier ones in the Northeast for the same curbside reason. Quote it as its own shipment once your date is firm.
To price your own New Jersey pickup, use the route page form or call (567) 666-4241.
Prices, transit times and both directions for this corridor are on the New Jersey to Florida route page.
Written by Brian Smith, Auto Transport Manager at Leader Auto Ship LLC — FMCSA licensed property broker, MC #1638331, DOT #4232283. Brian has more than four years of experience and has personally handled about 800 shipments. Verify the licence yourself.
